Contaminated land

Industry, waste disposal and accidental spillages of contaminants can cause contamination of land. If not dealt with, it can be a threat to human health, the environment and the development of the city.

As regulator, landowner and planning authority the City Council is responsible for ensuring that:

• the land in its area is suitable for its current use
• land in its area is made suitable for any new use
• that land recognised as being "contaminated" is made suitable for its current or proposed use
• it leads by example, when managing contamination on its own land

The council's Regulatory Services - Scientific Services carries out the council's duties in respect to the Part IIA regime.

We also:

• act as advisor to other council departments about land contamination
• maintain records on land quality
• assess site investigations provided with redevelopments proposals to ensure they comply with UK policy
• oversee remediation schemes to ensure sites are suitable for use